Yreka dog killer faces five-year prison term

YREKA – The man who poisoned and killed two Australian Shepherds in his Yreka neighborhood in December, 2012 faces a five-year state prison sentence.

Bruce Lynn Dooley, 54, appeared in the Siskiyou County Superior Court on Tuesday where he entered a plea of guilty to two felony counts of animal cruelty, and admitted to the special allegation that he has previously been convicted of a violent felony.

In exchange for his guilty plea, the Siskiyou County District Attorney’s Office offered him a stipulated sentence of five years in state prison. He will have to serve 80 percent of his term prior to parole eligibility.

Dooley was on probation for felony assault at the time he poisoned the dogs, and Superior Court Judge William Davis formally revoked his probation.

Davis scheduled Dooley to reappear in court on Feb. 19 for sentencing.

Siskiyou County Deputy District Attorney Martha Aker, who prosecuted the case, said the Yreka Police Department (YPD) did an “outstanding job” investigating this case.

“This result is a testament to YPD going the extra mile to fully investigate the case,” added Siskiyou County District Attorney Kirk Andrus. “Instances of animal cruelty and abuse often require special investigative procedures and YPD did a great job.”

“Officer Fahrney did a great job not only investigating but documenting every detail in this case,” said Bowles. “The DA’s Office picked up the ball and justice prevailed in a timely manner.”

The incident, which Bowles described as “truly unbelievable and shocking,” occurred Dec. 5, 2012 on Lane Street in Yreka.

A witness to the incident told the Daily News he saw Dooley throw something over the fence where the dogs, Cassie and Blue, resided. He said he thought it was strange but he did not know what was happening.

The dogs’ owner, with whom the witness was acquainted, was not home at the time; he called her at work to tell her about the incident.

When the dogs’ owner arrived home, she observed that Blue and Cassie were in distress, and she took them to the veterinarian. They died of their injuries while receiving treatment.

According to YPD reports, Dooley laced food with gopher poisoning before throwing it over the fence.

When officers were investigating the case, Dooley told them the dogs’ barking was the reason he poisoned them.

The witness told the Daily News he never observed the dogs barking excessively.

Dooley was arrested and has since been held in the Siskiyou County Jail.

Dooley had a felony strike conviction for shooting at a car with a BB gun. He was charged in January, 2011. He pleaded guilty to the charge and was placed on probation in March, 2011.

“This defendant’s prior felony assault conviction constituted a ‘strike’ under California law, making him eligible for state prison and enhancing the penalty in this case. In addition, there is no overlooking how egregiously anti-social this behavior was. The punishment fit this crime, taking into consideration the background of the defendant,” said Andrus.

He pointed out that it is very unusual for a person convicted of animal cruelty or abuse to be sentenced to prison, as such charges are not eligible for state prison under Gov. Jerry Brown’s realignment plan.

“Our hearts go out to the victims whose dogs were killed. We affirm our commitment to seek justice for victims who have no voice, including innocent animals," said Andrus.

On behalf of the YPD, Bowles added, “Our condolences go to Blue and Cassie’s owners.”